On 2005-03-10 10:05:00, Anonymous wrote:
"I am not a vet, but have been around horses all my life. Horses colic for a variety of reasons, the most likely cause is their feed. They can colic from moldy hay, hay that is too rich, too much grain, an abrupt change in the type of feed, etc. Horses have a very poor digestive system so when they have any type of problem with their stomach or intenstines it is very serious. When they have colic (a bad belly ache), their first instinct is to lie down and roll around. If they are allowed to do this their intestines can become twisted around one another and then only surgery can fix the problem. Many horses die from this ailment, even if they are given prompt care. It also seems to be true that once a horse colics it is more likely to colic again in the future, so many horses are sold cheap because of their tendancy to do this. Horses are prone to a variety of ailments related to food and exercise, colic is just one of them. "
I'd agree with all this (also being a layperson with Horse experience) but would like to make another point or two. Colic is an obvious, acute illness. There is no doubt something is wrong even in the early stages. Even if it begins as a mild discomfort - it is unmistakable that a problem is at hand. Long before an animal is rolling, they will become listless; and maybe bite or kick at their belly, and usually loose interest in the food bucket. A horse who won't eat is a very sick horse. All of this is what any horseman is familiar with as an indication of colic; no matter what has caused the colic. Any horse man knows a vet needs to be called out ASAP. Prompt veterinary attention will usually save the animal; but just as important is elevating the pain. Colic is Extremely painful! The horse left untreated will be in agony. IMO, the stress associated with the horrible pain creats a vicious circle - pain, stress, tension, more pain, more stress. . .
I once had a horse that would get a mild colic about once a year. (we never knew why) By the time the vet would arrive he'd be pretty miserable - groaning and sweating and wanting to lay down and roll. The first thing the vet would do would be to give him a pain shot - something to relax him. In our case that was all that was needed. He'd lay his big ole head in my arms, and sigh, and lift his tail and fart and then shit - and he was all better. Often times more treatment is needed - but the point is - Pain relief is of vital importance! Just for the sake of being responsible and humane - never mind the fact it can save the horse. The point being - there is no excuse for a horse in colic to go without a vet!
With colic in horses, the symptoms are unmistakable and a vet is always required.
And BTW - the same thing applies to a dog bloating. There is not a minute to spare in getting the dog to the vet.
